Local Enhancement & Appreciation of Forests

Improving communities, one tree at a time.

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Blogs

Composite image with acorns on one side and animals that eat them on the other, including a wild turkey, blue jay, gray squirrel, chipmunk and deer.
If you've ever tried to tell a red oak from a white oak and felt a little lost, you're not alone. These iconic trees share a lot in common, but a closer look reveals some fascinating differences – ones that matter not just for identification, but for wildlife too. Leaf shape and bark texture matter, but the real story is in the acorns!
black knot
While it might sound like something out of a fairy tale, this real-life fungal disease can do serious damage if left unchecked. As the leaves fall this autumn, you might notice something black and bumpy lurking on your tree’s bare branches. Read on to learn how to identify black knot, which trees it affects and how to manage it effectively!
LEAF staff and volunteer posing with bags filled with invasive plant material
Native trees and shrubs face an uphill battle when establishing themselves in disturbed environments. One of the main threats to their growth is invasive species. Without intervention, invasive plants can outnumber and outcompete native plants, eventually causing them to succumb to a lack of water, nutrients or space.

Events

LEAF staff posing with community members at a community planting event
Saturday, October 18 - Dig into the fun and help us grow Vaughan’s urban forest canopy! Join LEAF for a family-friendly afternoon planting native trees and shrubs in North Maple Regional Park.
group of volunteers posing at a LEAF community planting event
Sunday, October 19 - Help us in our mission to improve Markham’s urban forest, one tree at a time! Join LEAF for an afternoon of planting native trees and shrubs in Robinson Creek. All ages welcome.
LEAF staff posing with newly planted white spruce
Thursday, October 23 - Dig into practical tips to help your trees put down strong roots this season and beyond.
two volunteers posing at a LEAF community planting event
Saturday, October 25 - Dig into some family-friendly fun planting native trees and shrubs with LEAF at Willow Wharf. Help us improve the urban forest in Georgina. Make a day of it and visit Georgina Beaches and Waterfront Parks!
two volunteers posing at a LEAF community planting event
Sunday, October 26 – Want to help grow Oshawa’s urban forest? Join LEAF for some family-friendly fun planting native trees and shrubs in Lakeview Park. Get your hands dirty and give back to nature!

News

LEAF staff posing with a tree

Ajax Rebate

Ajax property owners receive an additional $150 rebate through the Full Service Program or a $100 rebate through the Do-It-Yourself Program.

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LEAF staff posing with a tree

Markham Discount

Endorsed by Markham's Trees for Tomorrow initiative, Markham property owners pay $100 for deciduous trees and $50 for evergreen trees.

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LEAF staff posing with a tree

Newmarket Rebate

Newmarket property owners will receive an additional $100 Stormwater Management Rebate for planting a tree on their property.

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©2016 Lilian Natalizio / LEAF

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©2017 Erin MacDonald / LEAF

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©2015 Anne de Haas / LEAF

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